Ephesus Virgin Mary and Village Sightseeing

Kusadasi tour to ancient Ephesus, the House of Virgin Mary and Sirince Village

Ephesus attracts millions every year and with its close proximity, it is the primary reason for most tourists choosing Kusadasi as their holiday resort.

While tourists from other resorts like Bodrum and Marmaris venture long bus journeys to see Ephesus, wouldn't it be a shame to miss this world-famous site when you are only minutes away from it?

Being one of the best preserved and largest ancient sites in the Mediterranean, Ephesus offers sights like the Temple of Artemis (one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World), the Library of Celsius, The Ancient Brothel and an impressively large Amphitheatre which has hosted stars like Elton John and Tom Jones.

Ephesus has played a great role in the history of Christianity. St. Paul stayed here for three years during which he wrote his letters to the Corinthians. Situated 9 km ahead of Ephesus is the entrancing shrine of the Virgin Mary where she came with St. John to spread Christianity and spend her last days on earth. The shrine has been declared a pilgrimage site by the Vatican.

As holiday makers in Kusadasi, besides Ephesus, you have an additional blessing: The Village of Sirince.

This cute village is only 30 km away from Kusadasi, built on a slope overlooking Ephesus plain and surrounded by vast orchards and olive groves. With its old stone houses, cobblestone streets and lively town square, Sirince, is a snapshot from the 19th century.
After visiting the church and the mosque of the village we get welcomed by a wine house where you can sample famous fruit wines of the region. After lunch you get free time to relish this cute village and meet its friendly locals. Talking to locals of Sirince is inevitable, as nearly each member of the village is a craftsman and they all seem to be manufacturing something. Ladies doing their embroidery and lacework, men woodcarving and younger ones selling juices of newly picked fruits.